In Kyiv, the SBU stopped activity of pseudo-broker centers, which under the guise of trading on international stock exchanges misappropriated investors' funds.

SBU cyber experts found that organizers created a network of call centers with almost 250 operators, attracting "customers". For that purpose, they registered more than 150 accounts in the social media. The offenders used special software to anonymize calls and fake international online auction.

Following online transfer of funds, the offenders set up a client’s "personal account", reporting about increase in price of shares and offering to raise contributions. After decision to withdraw money, a customer was informed about the company’s bankruptcy. The offenders extorted up to USD 5,000 from a victim.

The ​​ organizers’ illegal activity also included microcredit. The offenders unlawfully imposed penalties and fines at the rate of 300 % of a loan on their "clients" who failed to repay credit commitments. The criminals involved collection companies in extorting fake debts.

Approximately 3,000 individuals were victims of the fraud.

During searches, law enforcement officers discovered almost 250 computers, mobile devices and software used to misappropriate funds and withdraw them to cryptocurrency wallets. In addition to that, 157 SIM cards, used to register accounts in the social network, were seized.

The investigation of fraud and illegal actions providing access to bank accounts is ongoing. The offenders are to be served notices of suspicion.

From early 2021, the SBU Main Office in Kyiv and Kyiv region blocked activity of 7 illicit call centers and a bot farm, used for pseudo-broker services and online microcredit.

Currently, the Kyiv Sviatoshynskyi District Court convicted an organizer of a scam for fraud.

The operations were conducted jointly with prosecution authorities.